Scrooge

This page is about the eponym Scrooge

Meaning

a person who doesn't like to share his or her money; a person who doesn't like celebrating Christmas

For example

  • My boss was a Scrooge this year. He didn't give anyone a bonus.

  • Don't be a Scrooge. It's Christmas! Give the boy a dollar or two.

Origin: Ebenezer Scrooge is a character from Charles Dickens' 1843 novella A Christmas Carol. In the story, Scrooge is a cruel London money-lender who forces his employee, Bob Cratchit, to work long hours for low pay. He also refuses a dinner invitation on Christmas Day and is opposed to any traditions related to Christmas. After receiving visits from the spirits of Christmas past, present and future, Ebenezer Scrooge slowly opens up his heart. This novella helped popularize Christmas traditions and the season of giving and charity, especially in Britain.

Quick Quiz

An example of a Scrooge is a

a. neighbour who shares Christmas cookies.

b. boy begging for food.

c. man who keeps all his money to himself.
a) neighbour who shares Christmas cookies. b) boy begging for food. c) man who keeps all his money to himself.

Contributor: Tara Benwell